Urban Candle Co lights up future growth plans

Urban Candle Co., which was started as a hobby business in the garage of its founder just over three years ago, has announced growth plans to expand its market presence across the UK.

The Newcastle-based business, which was originally founded by Matthew Patterson in his garage while he worked in sales in the drinks industry, is targeting a national wholesale operation and increasing its team of agents serving the independent retail market.

Currently employing one person, alongside Matthew, in the production and distribution of its range of candles, diffusers and gift collections, the company aims to add a further two people this year to help meet demand.

The company is also investing in new production equipment and enhancing its distribution facilities at its 800 sq ft premises at the John Buddle Business Village in Newcastle.

With an existing team of six gift industry agents across the UK, the business is aiming to boost that number to 14 before the end of the year enabling the company to increase it footprint in the UK independent retail market.

Having initially set up the business as an evening and weekend activity in 2014, Matthew developed the brand and the initial product range while continuing in his sales management role with a global brewing business. He turned his attention full-time to the Urban Candle Co. in 2017 moving it from his home to its current premises.

He began working with Newcastle-based business advisors RG (Ryecroft Glenton) soon after establishing the venture with the firm providing accounts and outsourced services support. RG is currently helping migrate the Urban Candle Co.’s accounts onto cloud-based system, Xero which will enable Matthew to spend more time focusing on the growth of the business.

Matthew Patterson said: “I am really pleased with the momentum the business has gained in the last year, which is enabling me to make further investments in our production capabilities and bringing in additional people.

“The support and advice I receive from RG has been very helpful. I have found that, as a relatively new entrepreneur, it is essential to surround yourself with a group of advisers who can share their experience as well as their expertise. I am looking forward to the future of the business and am confident it can scale-up further in the future and build on its initial success.”

Deborah Graham, Partner at RG, said: “Matthew’s business journey has been very impressive and we are proud to work with him as the company continues to grow. His focus on producing a solid business model, supported by professional advisors, is coupled with his ambition, creativity and work ethic that will drive the business forward.”